Ayrshire cattle

High school (ages 12+)
Animals & Nature

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/ayrshire-cattle

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the scientific name?Bos taurus
2. What is the geographic origin?County of Ayrshire, southwestern Scotland
3. What do Ayrshire cattle look like?Ayrshire cattle have a distinctive red and white spotted coat. The colors can vary in shade, making each cow look a little different.
4. Why are Ayrshire cows good for making cheese?The milk from Ayrshire cows is rich in protein and butterfat. This makes it great for cheeses that need good curd formation, as well as for high‑quality butter and cream.

Selective Breeding: The process of humans intentionally choosing organisms with desirable traits to reproduce and pass on those traits.
Conformation: The physical structure and build of an animal, reflecting its breed standards and suitability for specific purposes.
Forage Utilization: An animal's capacity to efficiently digest and derive nutrients from plant-based feed, particularly grasses and hay.
Genetic Diversity: The total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species, important for adaptability and long-term survival.